How to Transfer Programs From a Desktop to a Laptop

You may work on a desktop computer at the house with a laptop on hand for any "on the go" type of work that needs done. This can create an issue, however, when information/programs on a desktop are needed on a laptop. Fortunately, you can transfer programs from one computer to the other.

Step 1

Use a flash drive. To do so, insert the flash drive into the desktop computer. Sometimes, its folder will pop up automatically, other times not. To open manually, double-click it in the My Computer folder. Once the folder is available, simply copy and paste whatever programs desired into the folder. From there, place the flash drive into the laptop, then copy and paste all flash drive folder items onto the desktop or whatever folder is preferred.

Step 2

Use a disk/CD. Similar to flash drive, simply insert the CD into a CD drive, then copy and paste all desired programs/documents into the CD folder. From there, insert it into the laptop (the folder should pop up automatically), and copy and paste to whichever folder is desired in the laptop.

Step 3

Email the programs over. Keep in mind, however, this will not work for all programs; some are too large to be sent in an email file. However, for small documents (PDFs, Word documents, pictures), this is a solid way of transferring items. Simply attach them to an email from one's desktop, then send to that very same email address. Once in the Inbox, those items can be opened from any computer with Internet, including a laptop.

About the Author

Clint Hale has worked for a number of media outlets since 2004, including the "San Antonio Express-News" (for whom he covered golf, football and general features) and various websites. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Texas.

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